Finding My Passion: How One Moment in High School Shaped My Creative Path

Looking back on my journey, there are few pivotal moments that stand out — moments that gave me my first glimpses of the creative path I was meant to follow. One of those moments happened in high school, in my very first art class. I didn’t know it at the time, but the experiences I had in that class would shape the way I approach art and define my creative side.

Art class was a place where I could get away from the pressures of school. I was probably one of the unfocused student, and I often spent time talking to friends instead of working. But there was something different about creating with my hands, especially in ceramics. My instructor, who was my first art mentor, often praised my sculptures. I was even able to show a few of my ceramic sculptures in a couple of art shows. Through out the year, they often went missing — people would steal them! It felt weird that something I made could connect with people enough that they’d want to take it.

As the year went on, my instructor’s encouragement pushed me to take art more seriously. She gave me opportunities to try things outside the usual curriculum, like working on the potter’s wheel, which was reserved for advanced students. She could see my potential and tried to nurture it, even though the school administration held her accountable for my progress due to my track record in other classes. She once told me her job was on the line if she didn’t hold me accountable to a certain level of standard. Looking back, I see that she was under immense pressure but still wanted to give me every chance to succeed.

Then came the final assignment. We were given four hours to create a piece from clay that met a long list of specific requirements. Instead of starting on the project, I spent most of the time talking to friends and procrastinating. My teacher kept reminding me of the time ticking down, but I kept brushing it off, not acknowledging what was at stake.

With just 15 minutes left and the room empty except for my teacher, everyone had finished and turned in their project. She reminded me that even though I had an A in the class, she would have to fail me if I didn’t complete the assignment by the end of the class. Then, suddenly, the idea came to me clear as day. I knew exactly what I was going to create and how to do it. It was as if a switch flipped on in my head. I sprang into action, rolling, cutting, scoring, and smoothing the clay with a focus that comes to me at times. As I worked, nothing else mattered. The clock counted down, and when there was only two minutes left of class, my teacher stood up with her keys in hand. She was ready to leave as I worked at a diligent pace, trying to finish in time.

With 30 seconds to spare, I placed the final piece on her desk. She looked at me with a mix of disappointment and amazement on her face. “You’re a genius,” she said quietly as she dropped her shoulders. “I don’t know how you do it.” Her words left me speechless. I didn’t see myself that way, but that moment helped me realize that I saw the world differently and that I could bring ideas to life in a way that was uniquely my own.

That wasn’t the last time I’d hear those words, but it was the first time I truly felt the impact of my creativity. Sometimes, ideas come to me in flashes, fully formed, like a light turning on. Other times, it’s a longer process of trial and error. But this way of creating — letting the inspiration come and trusting it — has guided me through every stage of my journey.

Today, as I create each piece, I remember the lessons from that first art class: the importance of discipline, the power of encouragement, and the beauty of bringing ideas to life, even under pressure. My work isn’t just about jewelry or sculptures; it’s about expressing a part of myself and creating something that resonates with others, just like those early pieces did.

Thank you for being here - for supporting this part of my journey, and for seeing the creativity that drives each piece I make. In the next blog, I’ll share how my passion for art grew as I discovered metalsmithing and began to define my voice as a creator.